06/02/2020 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
June 2, 2020
Mayor Knoke called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:04 p.m. at the City Hall. Advanced notice of the meeting was given by publication in The Sentinel, the appointed method for giving advanced notice. All proceedings shown were taken while the meeting was open to the attendance of the public.
Mayor Judith Knoke presided, and City Clerk Kim Goossen recorded the proceedings. The following Councilmembers were present: Shane Stutzman, Phyllis Ryan, Stan Krause, and Harlan Schrock. A quorum being present, and the meeting duly convened, the following proceedings were had and done.
As required by the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, Mayor Knoke announced that a copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act has been posted on the south door of the City Hall meeting room for all in attendance to review.
Mayor Knoke announced that public comments would be received at this time. Ray Sueper reported on a project he is working on in the city. Rod Brejcha reported on the need for ADA sidewalks in town. This will be put on the agenda for the July meeting.
Motioned by Krause, seconded by Ryan, to approve the minutes May 5, 2020 regular meeting. On roll call voting aye to approve the minutes, Schrock, Stutzman, Ryan, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried. A motion was made by Stutzman, seconded by Schrock to approve the May 2020 Treasurer’s Report. On roll call voting aye to approve the May 2020 Treasurer’s Report, Ryan, Schrock, Stutzman. Krause Abstain. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Krause, seconded by Stutzman, to approve Friend Community Healthcare Systems Financial Report for April 2020. On roll call voting aye to approve April 2020 hospital financials Schrock, Ryan, Stutzman, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Krause to approve claims and payroll after looked at. On roll call voting aye to approve claims and payroll after being looked at, Ryan, Stutzman, Krause, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: April Payroll, 39,940.23; Ameritas, 2,304.08; EFTPS, 8,345.18; NE Dept of Rev SWH, 1,387.29; Baker & Taylor Books, su 50.36; Beaver Hardware, su 712.37; Black Hills Energy, se 215.73; Blue Blossom Florist, su 179.98; BlueCross BlueShield of NE, se 6312.84; Border States Industries Inc, su 181.22; Brandenburgh Hauling, se 684.99; Brother’s Equipment, su 50.04; Bruning Law Group, se 6033.00; Community Redevelopment Authority, fe 1598.86; Crete Ace Hardware, su 301.73; Culligan Water Service, fe 24.75; Diode Communications, se 46.45; Dollar General Regions, su 6.00; Dominic Lombardo, re 13.87; Eakes Office Solutions, su 289.53; Farmer’s Union Cooperative, su 316.05; Goldstar Products Inc, su 1336.25; Paul & Gail Gropp, fe 450.00; Jacob & Johnathan Clouse, fe 450.00; Midwest Laboratories, se 24.83; NDEQ, fe 6922.16; NE Dept of Revenue Charitable Gaming Div, fe 25.00; NE Public Health Environmental Lab, se 50.00; NE Public Power District, se 42,370.04; National Arbor Day Foundation, fe 15.00; NE U.C. Fund, fe 89.64; Nick’s Farm Store Co, su 21.34; Norris Power, se 5571.72; Diane Odoski, re 77.14; Orkin, se 60.32; Pankoke Construction Inc, se 17,890.10; Principal Mutual Life Ins Co, fe 63.12; Readers Digest, su 29.96; Sargent Drilling, se 600.00; Seward Co Independent, se 294.42; Marvin Slepicka, fe 1250.00; Verizon Wireless, se 94.56; Waste Connections, se 310.16; White Electric Supply Co, su 105.00; Total Claims Approved $147,095.31.
A motion was made by Stutzman, seconded ty Ryan to approve the Covid-19 resolution for the use of municipal property. On roll call voting aye to approve Covid-19 resolution for the use of municipal property Schrock, Ryan, Stutzman. Krause Abstain. Nays none. Motion carried.
A decision was made to table the timekeeping/timeclock by city employees to the July meeting.
A motion was made by Schrock seconded by Krause to allow the Beckett Arp fishing tournament. On roll call voting aye to allow the Beckett Arp fishing tournament, Stutzman, Ryan, Krause, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
A discussion was had on the purchase of the Nickel building. It was decided to gather more information and bring to the July meeting for further discussion.
Billy Baugh reported on behalf of the Public Works department. Baugh reported they worked at flushing hydrants and also discussed handicap parking at the pond/park. Baugh reports more rock is needed at the pond parking and that light posts have been ordered and will be installed once we receive them. Baugh reported they have put new mulch at park and Crowl Tree Service will be out possibly next week. Baugh stated he would like to discuss with Mr. Hitchcock the possibility of doing a school project building new shelters at the park. Discussion was held regarding cutting down the depot tree and replacing it with two new trees and a berm. The City will need to look at whether we need permission from the railroad to proceed with this project. Due to the power outage and needing to gain access through the easement, the City will deliver dirt to the homeowners affected to fill in the ruts. Billy stated next week they will be working to remove the sunshade at the pool. Also, the fence around the pool is for sale and the buyer will have to come remove it.
Kristen Milton reported on behalf of the pool committee. Milton reported the donor wall is ready to go live. They have received two bids for demolition and they are waiting on a third. Ms. Milton reported the interest rate for the bond is at 2.45% and a generous donor will step up in June.
Police Chief Shawn Gray reported on behalf of Friend Police Department. Chief Gray states they are 100 calls ahead of last year and an increase from April to May.
Building Inspector Mark Stutzman gave his report. Stutzman reported on fence permits, asked what fences are being built out of. Stutzman reported he will not be doing the inspection on his project.
Bill Bode was in attendance to discuss extending the drainage tube over by his house. Mr. Bode would like to add another 25 foot and run straight to the pasture. Bode will pay for dirt and seed with grass and work with Public Works department to get this complete.
Discussion was had on activities for the 4th of July. It was stated that we are able to have a parade but people have to stay in their cars. There would be fireworks display allowed as long as people practice social distancing in groups of 25 or less. The Fire Department will discuss the Fishing Tournament and Fireworks at their next meeting. It was decided to see what the new DHM’s are at a later date.
A motion was made by Krause, seconded by Schrock to sign a lease agreement with John and Jake Clouse for the next two months for building rent. On roll call voting aye to sign lease agreement with John and Jake Clouse for the next two months, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman to approve Friend Rescue to get specs and quote for new ambulance. On roll call voting aye, Ryan, Stutzman, Schrock. Krause Abstain. Nays none. Motion carried.
Jim Ryan reported on behalf of the Community Redevelopment Authority. The Planning Commission has submitted their recommendation for the Blighted and Substandard area. The next step is for the City Council to hold a public hearing. Ryan stated there are three items left in Phase 2 that would be dealt with at the public hearing. After that, they can proceed on with next steps.
No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Krause, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Ryan, Krause, Schrock. Nays, none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.